Equality before the law a must
What people need right now more than ever is to feel that the country’s laws and tax regulations apply to all, without exception. This is the only way to cultivate a sense of responsibility about paying taxes and to convince taxpayers to shoulder their share of the burden of pulling the country out of the financial crisis. The two previous administrations under Costas Karamanlis unfortunately sent the totally wrong message to the public when it opted to sweep under the carpet major cases of financial crimes committed by powerful interests and prominent figures. However, the current government now has an opportunity to right this wrong and demonstrate that it will be dealing with such cases in a different manner. The first thing the government should do in order to show its good intentions is to reopen the files on pending cases of tax evasion and investigate the illegal fuel-trafficking network. Nothing will ensure public support more effectively, even for the strictest of fiscal measures.
